30 Jun
As summer is here, so it’s time to make the most out of it! Manchester city has an unappeasable appetite for food which is cooked over coals at the Grillstock festival.
And now the weather has got finally warm up, sales of barbecue tool sets are roaring!
Prepare for rain
There is no need to rain on your parade already (excuse the pun), as this is Manchester. Have a look at the outdoor area and see where the tarpaulin can be tied up, get innovative and get the space covered. On the bright side though, apparently a samll bit of rain can be valuable for cooking the moisture in the air; which can actually help you to keep the meat juicy.
Get the lighting right
The summer solstice has been and gone and the days are getting short! So if you like to party while staying on after dark, then lighting is a must-have setting. Chinese lanterns, tea lights and fairy lights will all add lighting to the atmosphere.
Plan your menu
Get inspiration from Manchester meat joints like Solita, Almost Famous and Red’s True Barbecue, and likewse you have a go at recreating the favourite flavour combinations. Watch our video on how to make the perfect burger at home and use it as a the perfect beginning to create some pimped-up patties. If you will burn it all, then don’t worry you will be successful in the near future.
Hangover-proof your set-up
Well, there is nobody who wants to spend the day after a boozy barbecue washing up, so get stocked up on disposable plates, glasses and cutlery to ensure a speedy turnaround in the morning.
Experiment with drinks
Well, the chilli vodka cocktails can offer an exclusive creation to the perfect accompaniment of the hotdogs and pulled pork. You can also pour the vodka on to the meat and fish before cooking to give it that extra kick. Try out a Tom Collins made with gin after in order to cool your mouth ready for tasting dessert.
Get the tunes right
Make a festival like vibe in the comfort of your own garden and relive all the fun of parklife with this exclusive Spotify playlist.
Invite your neighbours
Nobody wants to spoil their party being interrupted by a neighbour who may complain about the noise, so keep them sweet by inviting them. If you don’t know them, then it will be a great way to break the ice. If you don’t want to invite them, at least let them know well in advance so they can’t say you didn’t warn them.
Keep hay fever at bay
The pollen count in this summer has already attained the unexpected highs so make sure if you’re outside all day and have prepared for some potential weepy eyes. It’s said that eating local honey can help you a lot and it also tastes superb on spare ribs.